About the writer: Jukka Rantala, MSc., Industrial Engineering & Management, is the Vice President of Sales and Key Accounts, and a member of the management board at Pemamek.
Automation, robotics, and digitalization are reshaping shipbuilding
As a segment director for Pemamek’s shipbuilding sector, I have the privilege of closely following how global shipyards and offshore manufacturers are evolving. The pace of change is accelerating, and automation, robotics, and digital integration are no longer optional. They are becoming essential enablers for competitiveness, capacity, and delivery reliability across the industry.
Pemamek is a global leader in providing complete steel fabrication solutions for shipbuilding and offshore yards. We are the only one-stop-shop supplier capable of providing our customers with all the needed main fabrication systems to build flat panels, open blocks, pancakes, platforms, and other similar structures.
Now, especially the naval shipbuilding sector, icebreaker builders, and offshore wind substation platform manufacturers are the most active industries for us, where we can utilize our well-proven technology. Last autumn, we attended shipbuilding exhibitions in Europe, Asia, and the US, where this same trend became very clear. Naval ships, icebreakers, and topsides of offshore substations are the products for which customers are looking for automated and heavy-duty robotic welding solutions.
During our global customer event for marine leaders, we discussed the fact that customers all over the world face pretty much the same challenge: a lack of a talented — or indeed any — workforce. Put simply, they can no longer recruit people to work in their yards. This is becoming a significant issue for many. In addition, shipyards also have tighter delivery schedules for their customers. This means they need more capacity, for example from automated PEMA solutions, and they are looking for ways to work with a minimal number of operators.
Automation and robotics are not just a thing of the future. They already exist, and the range of applications and ways in which they are used is constantly growing. There is no turning back; quite the opposite, in fact. More and more robotics and higher levels of automation are required.
Digitalization and AI
Shipyards and offshore yards in particular are moving towards digitalisation, requiring a much higher level of integration of PEMA systems, as well as connectivity to production and design management systems. In my view, shipyards should adopt an even more open mindset towards utilising automation and robotisation for various tasks. Having the right individuals in the right positions within the organisation is important, as is thinking outside the box. In the near future, AI will become an increasingly common tool in shipyards. Using it in various yard operations would save a lot of time and man-hours.
At Pemamek, AI could form part of our automated and robotised solutions’ in-house control systems in the very near future, enabling the use of mechanical equipment for welding, cutting, milling or material handling to become even faster. Additionally, various cameras, sensors, and scanning technologies are advancing rapidly, and we can leverage these in more effective ways.
Where is shipbuilding heading?
The direction is clear: shipbuilding and offshore fabrication are entering a new era defined by automation, integration, and intelligent systems. At Pemamek, we are committed to supporting our customers on this journey with proven technology, innovative solutions, and a forward-looking mindset, helping yards worldwide meet today’s challenges and prepare confidently for tomorrow. All this is backed by trustworthy, financially sound, family-owned company with over 55 years of global production automation experience.
